Counts, Cultures, and Communities: U.S. Paddle Sport Progress
People on the courts with paddles and pickleballs firmly in hand may not have noticed, but there are two—yes two—booming paddle sports in the U.S.—pickleball and padel.
Though they share some common ground, each brings a distinct culture, community footprint, participant numbers, and growth trajectory. Scott Colebourne, Executive Director of the U.S. Padel Association and a longtime player and business leader in both pickleball and padel, characterizes the courtscape this way: “The pickleball community in the U.S. is much larger and more well-established, especially among recreational players. The padel community is newer, more global, and attracts players who value the athletic challenge of a fast-paced doubles game.”
Pickleball’s Power Surge
Routinely grabbing headlines as “America’s fastest-growing sport,” pickleball—governed by USA Pickleball—has captured mindshare and court space nationwide. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), participation reached roughly 19.8 million players in 2024—an increase of about 45.8% over the prior year.
A quick courtside lesson between padel players during practice.
Pickleball’s low-tech gear—shoes, paddle, lightweight ball—and compact courts, indoors and out, make the sport accessible and social, for singles and doubles players. Because a pickleball court is only about 20 × 44 feet and can often be overlaid on a tennis court footprint, many facilities have rapidly added lines or converted existing courts. Clubs, parks, recreation centers, retirement communities, and schools have all added or repurposed space in cities and small towns alike.
From a community perspective, the sport appeals across a wide age span and all skill levels. At the same time, professional tours and leagues—such as the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP)—answer demand for higher-level competition.
Padel’s Emergence
With a strong presence in Europe and Latin America, padel play is on the rise stateside. The United States Padel Association (USPA) reports membership increased from just a few hundred in 2020 to over 1,900 in 2024—a compound annual growth rate of roughly 85%. USPA estimates there were over 600 padel courts in 2024, up from fewer than 30 just a few years earlier.
Generally, clubs host padel play, given the sport’s court design—a 10 × 20 meter, glass-and-mesh walled enclosure, where walls are part of play. Played in doubles teams, strategies involve extended rallies and tactics include off-wall bounces.
“Padel players love movement, teamwork, and strategy,” Scott said. “The sport rewards quick reflexes and creativity more than power, making it fun for all ages. It’s easy to learn but endlessly challenging to master, which keeps players coming back.”
Like their pickleball counterparts, the USPA and the International Padel Federation (FIP) are actively pushing U.S. expansion, including major tournaments, club and court buildouts (including some pickleball-padel hybrid venues), and increased media visibility. Olympic participation is also on the radar.
Participation and growth snapshot comparing pickleball and padel in the U.S.
“Both sports have something unique to offer” to the Olympics, according to Scott. “Padel already has a unified international federation in FIP and is global—already across more than 90 countries. Pickleball is making incredible strides, too. There’s certainly room for both to thrive.”
While padel is trending up with strong growth-rate indicators, it’s still building its U.S. base. Pickleball is at a mass-participation stage with an ecosystem looking beyond competition to high-impact social initiatives. These include Paddle with a Purpose, which uses paddle sports and events as vehicles for charity, social good, corporate engagement, and inclusive programming.
About the Author: Laurel Nelson-Rowe is an independent contributor to Empower Pickleball. A longtime business technology and communications leader, she now runs LaurelComms, delivering content for corporate and non-profit partners. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her on the pickleball court, volunteering, or sharing stories on her Substack, My Life Adventurement.